FAQ

Top Common Questions

Find answers to our most common questions below, if you can’t find what you’re looking for. Drop us a line at: info@atxhackforchange.org

addWhat is ATX Hack for Change?

We are a 3-day civic hackathon hosted by St. Edward’s University and our annual partners. We launched in 2013 and are still going strong! Read more here

addWhat is a Civic Hackathon?

A civic hackathon is an event focused on hacking social good projects raised by the community and hacked by the community.

addWho are our Hackers?

A hacker is anyone looking to share their skills to make Austin a better place.

addWho are our Project Champions?

A project champion is anyone with an idea for an innovative solution to a social problem in Austin. Have an idea? Learn more here

addWhat is the National Day of Civic Hacking?

A day where thousands of people from across the United States come together and work collaboratively to improve their local community.

addIs ATX Hack for Change free?

Yes! Entry is free to all registered participants.

addIs there an age limit?

This event is designed for individuals age 18 and up.

Unfortunately, our university campus is not a great venue for small children and is not designed to accommodate specific needs that might arise. We certainly invite you to bring your children, but they’ll need to be supervised closely at all times.

addWill food be served? What if I have dietary restrictions?

Of course! We know you’ll be working hard, so we aim to provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks throughout the weekend.

Unfortunately, most of our food items are donated so we might not be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions. Please see our detailed schedule for specific menu information.

addWhere will I be able to get coffee?

Jo’s Coffee will be our official coffee sponsor to keep you caffeinated all weekend.

addIs there entertainment?

It’s a hackathon, but it’s also still your weekend. We get it. Our kickoff event on Friday will have food, libations, live painting, poetry writing, and a DJ!

addWhere can I stretch my legs?

Take a stroll around our beautiful campus! We also have Barre3 as our fitness sponsor, so they’ll provide scheduled activities throughout the weekend to keep you active and engaged.

addIs there somewhere to nap?

Short power nap can work wonders! TheMunday Library lawn is perfect for a quick rest.

addWhat skills can I offer a civic hackathon?

If you have them, we will take them! Whether you’re a designer, copywriter, or have expertise in any integral skill, we’re looking for you.

addI’m not from Austin, can I attend?

All are welcome! There are plenty of hotels and AirBnB’s near St. Edward’s University. Let us know where you are from!

addWhere will the hacking take place?

We will have work areas set up in the Munday Library, Fleck and Trustee Hall. Consult the event map on our Attend page.

addCan I bring my laptop?

Yes please! With 500 attendees, we wish that we had enough laptops for everyone. We will have ATX Hack for Change Wi-Fi and dedicated computer labs available for basic support.

addWhat’s the Wi-Fi?

Join: ATXH4C

PW: No password

addCan I leave early?

The success of projects rests on the shoulders of attendees and their project champions, so we hope that you can stay for the duration of the event and not leave your team behind.

addCan I switch teams?

During the kickoff and team formation periods, you can switch between teams as you find one you like. However, once you have committed to a project, we request that you remain with your team – they will need you!

addWho are my team members?

You will get the opportunity to choose your team Saturday morning. Review the complete project list that will be sent out prior to the kickoff event, and attend both the Friday kickoff event and Saturday project pitch session to give yourself ample exposure to everyone’s ideas before you decide.

addHow will team formation work?

On Saturday morning right after every Project Champion has had the chance to pitch their idea, you’ll get the opportunity to pick the project and team you want to join.

addWho will be my Project Champion?

You decide who that lucky person will be based on the project you choose to work on. Give yourself time to get to know your project champion before you hear them pitch by attending the Friday kickoff event. Mingle and find out more about the projects you want to work on.

addHow does Intellectual Property Work at ATX Hack for Change?

Projects brought to ATX Hack for Change are the sole intellectual property of their project champions and teams. St. Edward’s University and annual partners claim no ownership or responsibility for ideas, products, or prototypes created during ATX Hack for Change or any associated events.

addHow are the projects judged?

Our team of judges will evaluate the projects on progress made towards their initial goal and the potential impact the project will have on the community.

addHow do I win? Are there prizes?

You win by making a difference in the lives of Austinites. That’s prize enough, isn’t it? Although, occasionally some of our sponsors provide some extra perks.

addCan I volunteer? How old do I have to be to volunteer?

Yes, of course! 18+ are welcome to volunteer. Shoot us an email.

addStill have more questions?

Don’t worry if you didn’t find your answer, just drop us a note via email and we’ll be sure to get you squared away.